In an interview with Radio.com at US99’s Stars and Strings Concert in Chicago, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood explain the effect the military has had on their families.

“My brother-in-law Robertson, he’s in the military right now,” Kelley explains. “He feels like [he has] such a purpose right now. He decided not to go to college and joined the military. I’m so proud of him. He’s not sure where he’s going to get stationed yet. He just got through boot camp. It’s such a sacrifice thinking about when he comes back and we get to catch up. I say, ‘What is it like?’ and I could just see the pride on his face. It’s definitely a sacrifice I don’t know if I could make.”

Haywood, meanwhile, has a cousin in the Navy and admits that the time away from home is the ultimate sacrifice for families.

“I think the families sacrifice so much. My cousin’s in the Navy. He’s been to Japan and Hawaii for years,” Haywood explains. “He comes home once a year, twice a year at most. His wife and three kids hardly ever get to see him. It’s a big honor for us to be here and to celebrate the families that are supporting to all those who serve. That’s a huge sacrifice to be away.”

The third annual Stars and Strings concert is a stripped-down acoustic show celebrating our nation’s military heroes and their families. Held at The Chicago Theatre on November 15, performers include Lady Antebellum, Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, and Lindsay Ell.